Unfurnished Apartments: What You Actually Need To Prepare Before Moving In

When you’re renting an unfurnished apartment, think of it as a blank canvas: the landlord provides the permanent bones of the home, while you bring in everything that makes it liveable. Instead of simply unpacking boxes, you may find yourself wondering: “What do I need for an unfurnished apartment?” or “How much is this all going to cost?”

This guide is your calm, curated roadmap for moving into an unfurnished apartment without the chaos. We'll walk you through the essential things you need for an unfurnished apartment, the hidden costs, and what to buy for unfurnished apartment comfort from day one, so you walk in prepared, not panicked.

1. What “Unfurnished” Really Means

While furnished and semi‑furnished apartments differ in how complete their move‑in setup is, an unfurnished apartment starts with the basics and little else. It’s ideal if you love customisation, want full control over your space, or plan to stay long‑term. Some landlords may include a refrigerator or a few essential “white goods,” but there’s no universal standard. 

Designers often describe unfurnished homes as a rare opportunity to shape both how a space looks and how it works for your everyday life. As Steve Jobs famously said, “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” With that in mind, prioritise the foundational pieces first and save decorative items like art and accent chairs for later.

Ultimately, unfurnished living gives you flexibility and long‑term value, but it also shifts the set‑up planning to you. Treat the process like a mini design project: start with a short, smart punch list, build the essentials, and then slowly layer in personality over time.

2. The Essential Furniture You’ll Need to Bring or Buy

Once you’ve secured the keys, the next question hits fast: What do I actually need to make this place livable? Think of your furnishing plan in layers: Start with the pieces that affect your comfort, sleep, and sanity first, then build outwards from there.

2.1 Bedroom Basics

Your bedroom is your recovery zone, especially during a move. Prioritise:

• A quality mattress (your best investment — everything else can wait)
• A bed frame or simple platform
• Curtains or blackout blinds for privacy and restful sleep
• A wardrobe, dresser, or clothing rack if storage isn’t built in
• A soft bedside lamp to ease you into (and out of) your day

A well-set bedroom makes the rest of the move feel instantly more manageable.

2.2 Living Room Essentials

Your living space doesn’t need to be “finished” on day one, but it should feel functional and comforting. Start with:

• A sofa you can unwind on
• A coffee table or side table for daily essentials
• Warm, ambient lighting 
• A rug to define the space and soften acoustics

From there, you can add shelving, decor accents, or a TV setup as your lifestyle evolves.

2.3 Dining & Work Area

In modern city apartments, your dining area often doubles as your workspace. Choose smart, multipurpose pieces:

• A dining table sized to your space (a round table can make tight layouts feel larger)
• Comfortable chairs that support long meals and long meetings
• A desk lamp or portable task light
• Cable trays or organisers to keep your work zone tidy

This setup keeps the apartment flexible, whether you’re hosting brunch or powering through emails.

2.4 Nice-to-Have Comforts

Once your essentials are in place, bring in the touches that make your space feel like you:

• Throws, cushions, and soft textiles
• Plants for freshness and life
• Art prints or framed photos
• Bookshelves or modular storage cubes

These finishing details don’t just decorate the space, they tell your story.

3. Appliances You’ll Need to Plan For

Unlike a furnished unit, you may need to buy or budget for larger appliances. This varies by country and landlord, but here’s a realistic baseline:

Must-Haves

• Refrigerator
• Washer (and possibly dryer)
• Microwave or tabletop oven
• Electric kettle, toaster, or rice cooker
• Vacuum cleaner + basic cleaning tools

Good-to-Have

• Air purifier 
• Dehumidifier, fan or air conditioner
• Water filter system

Before adding anything to your cart, confirm outlet types, installation needs, and delivery timelines , nothing is more stressful than a fridge delivered two weeks late.

4. Hidden Costs Renters Often Miss

Setting up an unfurnished apartment can be surprisingly expensive if you don’t plan ahead. Here’s what to expect beyond rent:

4.1 Move-In Fees

• Security deposit
• Agency or admin fees
• Key fobs, access cards, or parking permits
• Country-specific fees (e.g., Japan’s renewal or “key money”)

4.2 Setup Expenses

• Utility activation (electricity, water, gas)
• Internet installation
• Curtains/blinds
• Light fixtures( some cities rent apartments without overhead lights)

4.3 Monthly Running Costs

• Utilities
• Internet/ mobile bundle
• Occasional appliance servicing
• Cleaning supplies and consumables

For a deeper dive into real-world budgeting, check out our article:

https://www.weave-living.com/blog/the-real-cost-of-living-in-tokyo 

5. Time & Logistics: What to Prepare Before Move-In

5.1 Delivery Coordination

Major items like your sofa, fridge, or washer might require delivery windows or installation appointments. Book these early so your first week isn’t spent eating takeaway on the floor.

5.2 Pre-Move Prep

• Deep clean before moving furniture
• Install temporary curtains
• Buy lightbulbs or bring portable lamps

5.3 Day-One Survival Kit

Pack a “first-night box” with:

• Bedding
• Toiletries
• Chargers
• Snacks
• Basic cookware
• Cleaning wipes

6. Smart Ways to Furnish Without Overspending

Furnishing an unfurnished apartment doesn’t have to drain your budget. In fact, with a smarter strategy, it can feel both intentional and enjoyable. Start by focusing on the essentials first, then upgrade gradually as you settle in and understand how you actually use each space. Multifunctional furniture, such as sofa‑beds or extendable tables, can stretch your budget further and adapt to different layouts over time.

One of the best ways to save in Japan is by exploring the country’s thriving second‑hand market. Popular platforms like Mercari, Yahoo! Auctions, Rakuma, and Jimoty make it easy to find affordable, pre‑loved furniture and appliances. Overall, think long‑term:buy fewer pieces, but choose ones you’ll love for years.

7. Why Choose an Unfurnished Apartment with Weave Living

Weave Living understands that unfurnished doesn’t mean empty, it means full of possibility. In Tokyo, Weave Base offers thoughtfully designed unfurnished rentals that make personalisation from the moment you move in.

You’ll find:

• Modern, easy‑to‑furnish layouts that adapt to any style
• Prime locations with convenient access to transport, dining, and daily essentials
• Low upfront fees to lighten the financial load of moving
• An easy, fully digitalised rental process
• Flexible room options to suit different lifestyles, budgets, and needs

If you love shaping a space into something uniquely personal, Weave’s unfurnished apartments give you the perfect starting point and the freedom to create a home that feels truly yours. Explore more of Weave Base’s unfurnished options and find the space that fits your vision.

Explore Unfurnished Apartment Options from Weave Base